Some people are blessed to have a wonderful mother. Others are fortunate enough to have a true best friend. I had the extraordinary privilege of having both in one remarkable woman. My mom wasn't just the person who gave me life – she was the one who showed me how to truly live it. Her laughter was my comfort, her wisdom was my guide, and her love was my constant sanctuary. What I wouldn’t give for one more phone call…or one more hug. But time is a theif- this much I know is true.
They say some people leave footprints on our hearts, but my mom, she built her home there. She was a force of nature wrapped in quiet strength - a woman who could make teachers nervous with her advocacy, make children feel safe with her presence, and make a drive-through worker's day by wearing a Harry Potter sorting hat. She was unashamed to show up exactly as she was, if you understood it or not. Some people called her strange - those who didn't understand her quirky nature. Others knew her as the woman who could turn a minute into an hour with her famous 'Mimi minute.' But to those of us blessed enough to truly know her, she was our anchor, our safe harbor, our confidant, our biggest cheerleader and generous soul who would do anything in her power to help anyone. A woman who could make anyone feel like the most important person in the room just by truly listening to them, whether they were talking about their deepest troubles or their most passionate interests.
I didn't meet my mom until she was in her 40s, but God's timing gave me something precious - a mother who understood the value of every moment, who had the wisdom to let me be exactly who I was meant to be, and who showed me through her own life what it means to love without conditions. With my dad, she created not just a marriage, but a rare and beautiful kind of love that not everyone understood. They were as different as two people could be, yet in those differences they found their strength - each holding the pieces the other needed to be whole. Through all of life’s storms, they stood by each other with a devotion that went beyond the surface. It taught me what true partnership looks like. Their love wasn't the stuff of fairy tales - it was deeper, realer, built on understanding, respect, and unwavering commitment. Together, they showed me that the most beautiful relationships aren't about being perfect, but about being perfectly committed to each other, even when the path isn't easy. Their differences weren't weaknesses - they were the very thing that made their bond so extraordinary and taught me that love isn't about finding your mirror image, but finding the person who completes your story.
Even now, I can close my eyes and smell her familiar perfume enveloping me as she cradled me against her neck as a child, a sanctuary of unconditional love after long days. The sound of her voice still echoes in my heart as she brought stories to life at bedtime, her dedication showing in the way she'd sleep on the floor beside my bed, or welcome me into their room on nights when the world felt too big. In those early morning hours, when the house was still quiet, I'd tiptoe out of my room to watch her exercise - this incredible woman who showed me what strength really meant. In her presence, I found not just comfort, but inspiration; not just safety, but a blueprint for the person I wanted to become. I can still feel the cup of chocolate milk she would place in my hand when it was time to wake up. Those moments, seemingly simple then, were actually her quietly teaching me what it means to love completely, to show up consistently, and to give of yourself wholly to those you cherish. And yes, she was the woman who could find the most spectacularly inappropriate moments to begin a marathon vacuuming session - because apparently 8 PM was the perfect time to get started in that. Waiting for no one and nothing - not sleep, not phone calls, and certainly not anyone's favorite TV show.
She wouldn't want us to be sad today. She'd want us to remember her laughter, her silly moments, her fierce advocacy for what's right, and most importantly, her unwavering love. She'd want us to keep living fully, to keep standing up for others, to keep finding joy in the small moments, and to keep loving fearlessly - just as she taught us.
Mom, I promise to carry forward your legacy of love. I will strive every day to be for my children what you were for me - a safe harbor, a fierce protector, a listening ear, and an endless well of love. While I know I could never be quite as amazing as you were - because there was only one you - I promise to pour the same selfless love, unwavering support, and boundless encouragement into my children that you gifted me. I will make sure our home is always a sanctuary where friends feel welcome, where laughter echoes through the halls, and where everyone knows they can be exactly who they are. I will never stop standing up for those who need a voice, and advocating for everyone in my life, even myself. Your light will continue to shine through the love I give, the boundaries I set, and the memories I create with my own children. This isn't goodbye - it's a promise to keep your spirit alive in every life I touch, just as you touched so many. Even though I wish we had more time- I will be forever grateful for the time we did have. I will always feel like the luckiest to have had you as my Mom and I will be forever grateful to all you poured into me. I love you Mom.
